Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, Victor Umeh, has criticised aspects of the 2026 Electoral Act amendment, saying Nigeria needs principled and character-driven legislators in the 11th National Assembly to reverse what he described as damaging provisions in the law.
Umeh, who spoke after undergoing screening by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), said some provisions of the amended Electoral Act, particularly those restricting politicians from moving to other political parties after losing party tickets, were unconstitutional.
According to him, some senators opposed the controversial clauses during deliberations on the bill, but their concerns were ignored.
“We spoke against some of those provisions when the law was being passed, but our voices were not heard,” he said.
The senator described the NDC screening exercise as smooth and successful, noting that many aspirants joining the party were motivated by a desire to serve Nigerians and rescue the country from its current challenges.
“It was a very brief and very smooth conversation. The screening went well. I believe that the people who have gathered here to be screened are here with a desire to serve Nigeria,” he said.
According to him, the party’s philosophy is anchored on service to Nigerians, adding that the increasing number of people joining the NDC showed that many citizens viewed the party as a platform for national renewal.
“The motto of Nigeria Democratic Congress is service, and that service is service to the Nigerian people. From the influx of people into the party, Nigerians have taken the Nigeria Democratic Congress as a party on a rescue mission to reset all the things happening in this country,” he stated.
Umeh further argued that the Electoral Act required a comprehensive review by the incoming National Assembly, insisting that certain provisions infringed on citizens’ constitutional rights, especially freedom of association and movement.
“Well, I believe that the Electoral Act needs to be reviewed again in the 11th Senate. If I return to the Senate, I will join in the struggle for a comprehensive review of the Act,” he said.
He maintained that the National Assembly had no business legislating against the constitutional rights of Nigerians to belong to political parties of their choice.
“Freedom of movement and association are fundamental human rights. You cannot prevent somebody from leaving an environment that is politically choking him,” he added.
The lawmaker also criticised provisions of the amended law that allegedly reduced punishments for electoral offences, including possession of multiple voter cards and submission of false academic qualifications by political office seekers.
According to him, the earlier punishment for possession of multiple voter cards was a 10-year jail term with punitive fines before it was allegedly reduced to two years imprisonment.
“It is surprising that a law-making institution would reduce penalties for acts that are clearly criminal in nature,” he said.
On false academic claims by politicians, Umeh insisted that aspirants who falsely claimed higher qualifications should face sanctions.
“You are not compelled to claim a university degree, but if you say you attended a university, then you must produce a certificate,” he stated.
He expressed optimism that future lawmakers with strong principles would strengthen the country’s electoral laws in the interest of democratic integrity and national development.
